Job Posting: Mental Heath Therapist 1.0 FTE

Family Health Teams (FHT’s) use a patient-centered approach to primary health care that brings together physicians and other health-care professionals to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for patients – when they need it, as close to home as possible. FHTs are a key component of Ontario’s health-care plan to reduce wait times, improve access to doctors and nurses, and keep Ontarians healthy.

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team currently has an opportunity for a Mental Health Therapist 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week) to join a compassionate, dynamic team dedicated to engaging and collaborating with patients facing stressful situations or mental health challenges. Come join our team - as together we aim to provide quality health care in a great community!

Job Posting: Part-Time (0.5 FTE) Chiropody Position

A vital team member who will collaborate with physicians and allied health providers to ensure the best health care is provided to our patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Screen, prioritize and process client referrals from Physicians within the FHT
Conducts foot health assessment and collaboratively identifies priorities for treatment
Works in collaboration with interdisciplinary team to safely and effectively provide primary care to clients

Provide the best patient care using evidence-based treatment and foot care according to best practices and within the Chiropodist scope of practice as outlined in the Ontario Regulated Health Professionals Act (1991) and the Chiropody Act (1991)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Diploma of Advanced Chiropody or equivalent
Current registration with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario
Current Basic CPR certification
Current Ontario Drivers’ License
Immunization against hepatitis B
2 years experience working as a Chiropodist in a hospital of community setting

It’s Not All in Your Head: Migraine Workshop

If you suffer with chronic migraine headaches, you will benefit from our workshop. Our pharmacist and nurse practitioner deliver a one-hour workshop with practical suggestions and how to prevent and manage a migraine. This workshop is open to all DAFHT patients. Call 519-938-8802 for more information on this program.

Do you suffer with migraines?

Patient Advisory Council Application Form

Job Posting: Volunteer Community Board Member

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) is a not for profit organization that provides primary health care services to over 47,000 patients in Dufferin County.

We are seeking to add a community member with a strong finance background and skill set to our Board of 8 family physicians. This is an exciting time to be involved in Primary Care with many changes including the formation of a DAFHT Patient & Family Advisory Council, and local input into the design and delivery of services. There is no remuneration for this position.

Skills:

The ideal candidates will have the following knowledge, skills and attributes

Commitment to the health of the Dufferin community and the mission and goals of the DAFHT

Strong finance and accounting background

Experience on corporate or non-profit Boards of Directors with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Governance Board;

Willingness to commit time and energy and participate in approximately 6 daytime board meetings a year, for a 2 year term.

If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors of this dynamic health care organization, please submit your C.V. (resume) and your letter of interest, describing why you want to serve on the DAFHT Board, and highlighting some of your experiences and talents that make you an excellent candidate for this position. We are excited to now be accepting applications.

We encourage you to email l.davies@dafht.ca for more details on this exciting opportunity.

Managing Emotions

Stitch and Unwind

Enjoy some meaningful and thoughtful conversation while relaxing with your own knitting, crocheting or stitchery project.

Don’t have supplies? A few sets of knitting needles, crochet hooks and yarn have been generously donated to get you started!

Stress Reduction Workshop

Everyone experiences stress, and it is very common for stress to become intense enough to affect wellbeing.

In the Stress Reduction Workshop series, you will learn and practice a variety of simple and effective techniques for taking care of your stress. You will leave the session with a better understanding of the warning signs of stress, practical resources for improving your reaction to stress, and you may even feel more relaxed!

Workshops are offered once a month in a series of 3 sessions with new techniques covered at each session. You are welcome to join us for 1 session or the full series.

Being Present

Being Present is an eight session group that provides participants with the opportunity to experience a variety of meditation techniques.

To benefit from the program, participants are encouraged to meditate daily between group sessions. We understand that it can be difficult to put aside 30 minutes a day for this activity. However, many people find that the benefits of regular practice are worth it.

Information and materials will be provided to support meditation practice at home. Also, a CD with a variety of guided meditations is available for purchase at $15.00, for those interested in this resource.

There is no cost for this program but parking costs $3.00.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing.

Feeling Good

A Cognitive Behavioural Approach to Managing Moods

Ostomy Care

The Enterostomal Therapist (ET) nurse plays a role in optimizing the quality of life for people who have had, or who are going to have surgery to create a stoma. A stoma is when the bowel is brought up on the abdomen in order to divert the flow of feces or urine.

The disease processes which may result in having a stoma include: Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, bladder or bowel cancer, bowel obstruction related to metastatic disease, and various congenital bowel and bladder concerns.
Patients may be seen pre-operatively where there is a planned surgery, in a timely manner post-operatively, or even years after the surgery.

Information aroudnd the surgical procedure, basic ostomy care and expectations, dietary and fluid intake, potential complications and interventions, medications, body image, intimacy, supply ordering, and community resources and supports will be provided.
The stoma and the appliance being used for pouching will be assessed. Considerations will include the type of stoma and the contours around the stoma, the type of drainage, the person's dexterity and ability to manage self-care, the person's individual preferences, and the cost of the products
Various products will be demonstrated and information regarding potential funding will be provided.
The person with an ostomy, whether new or long term, is often overwhelmed with the routine and may not have had teaching and support initially or even years after their surgery. The ET will answer any questions the patient may have about self-care.
Information regarding the surgery itself, the basics of stoma care, where to purchase supplies and access specialty products, connection with support and educational organizations, social net-working, newsletters, and ostomy visitors will be provided.

DAFHT patients may be referred to the Ostomy Program at the request of their Primary Care Provider or by the CCAC nursing agency who may be involved in their care

Health Links Referral Form

Health Links

What is a Health Link?

A Health Link is made up of patients, caregivers, health care providers, and community support service agencies that work together to improve the results of patients needing extra care.

These partners will create a plan that is made specifically for each patient, making certain that the patient’s goals are met and that there are no bumps in the road moving between care providers; along with easier access to specialists, home care services and other community supports, including mental health services.

Who is a Health Care Provider?

The terms ‘Health Care Provider’ and ‘Health Service Provider’ can both be used to describe a professional providing health care supports and services to patients.

What does a Health Link do?

The goal of a Health Links is to increase collaboration, communication, and care coordination with the patient, primary care and other care providers to deliver patient-centred care to meet the goals and care needs of patients and their families.

Health Links will share information through an Eletronic Health Record, after a patient has given consent, and measure results while working with their Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to achieve short- and long-term goals, such as:

Developing coordinated care plans for complex patients.
Increasing the number of complex and senior patients with regular and timely access to a primary care provider.
Reduced unnecessary hospital admissions and re-admissions within 30-days of discharge.
Reduced avoidable Emergency Department visits for patients with conditions that may be best managed elsewhere.
Improve same day/next day access to primary care.
Reduced time from a primary care referral to specialist consultation for complex patients.
Reduced time from referral to first home care visit (where appropriate).
Reduced alternate level of care (ALC) days in hospital.
Improve the overall patient care experience for patients with the greatest health care needs.

What Health Links Will Achieve For Patients/Caregivers?

An individualized Care Plan that creates a path for two-way communication between a patient and their health care providers
Smooth transitions between care providers
Patient-provider relationships built on trust and respect
Improving the patient’s journey through the healthcare system
Reduced wait times, visits to the emergency department, and unnecessary hospital admissions

For an example of how a community Health Link can make a difference in a patient's life, read Bernice's story.

How to make a referral to the Dufferin Health Link?

For physicians or community partners – please complete the referral form and fax to the Dufferin Health Link Coordinator at 519-938-8128.

Spirometry Patient Instruction Information

Spirometry is a breathing test used to find out how well the lungs are working and to check for Asthma and COPD. The test will be done by a Registered Respiratory Therapist. You will be given an inhaled medication during the spirometry test. Spirometry requires a great deal of hard blowing. The test shows if there is any tightness in the lungs before and after the inhaler, how much air is in the lungs and how fast you can blow that air out.

During your visit we will check your oxygen levels, listen to your chest and ask you questions about your breathing. Some patients find it helpful to bring a family member to the test to help answer these questions. Your Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will be notified of the results within 24 hours of the test and they should be contacted for any follow up questions. You may also be given additional instructions by your Respiratory Therapist or doctor prior to or after your test. Please note that the Respiratory Therapist cannot provide the results of the test at the time of your visit.

Preparation for the test:

Bring your inhalers, or “puffers”, with you.

Take all of your medications, except inhalers and medications listed below, as usual and you may eat a light meal prior to the test.

No heavy exercise within 30 minutes of taking the test.

No alcohol consumption within 4 hours of taking the test.

No smoking or caffeine consumption within 1 hour of taking the test.

Do not take the following medications: Ventolin (Salbutamol, Apo-Salvent), Bricanyl, Atrovent, Combivent, or Airomir, within 6 hours of the test unless you are having trouble breathing. If you have trouble breathing before the test, take your reliever inhaler. If you take your inhalers, or feel unwell, please call to reschedule your appointment or notify your provider when you arrive for your appointment.

Do not take any other inhalers the day of the test.

Pills for breathing such as Theophylline, Singulair, Montelukast and Accolate should be held for 24 hours before the test.

What We Offer

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team is made up of of physicians, nurses, administrative and other health care professionals who work collaboratively, each using their experience and skills so that you receive the very best care, when you need it, as close to home as possible. The Family Health Team operates out of five locations in Orangeville, Shelburne, and Grand Valley; as well as multiple family physician sites.

With a focus on preventing illness and promoting health, the Family Health Team works to find the best ways to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease, along with providing easier access to mental health services. Our team helps patients get healthy and stay healthy by:

sharing accurate up-to-date information about the best ways to prevent disease and promote health

detecting and addressing health concerns earlier, when care is more effective and less costly

increasing the range of health conditions that can be assessed and treated in the family doctor's office

offering support and strategies to better manage chronic illnesses like diabetes depression and asthma

working with patients and their families to navigate the health care system and coordinate better care

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team offers a variety of programs to help you better manage your health. Our groups cover a wide variety of health concerns including smoking cessation, sleep, diabetes, nutrition, mental health, osteoporosis, and heart health. As a patient of our family health team, you have access to all of these programs at no additional cost.

Speak to your doctor, nurse practitioner or any of the other health care professionals in our team for more information on how to register for our programs and groups or call 519-938-8802 ext 314 for more information.

Quality Improvement Plan

In an effort to improve the health of patients, enhancing patient experiences and outcomes, and reducing costs of care, Family Health Teams across the province are now creating annual Quality Improvement plans. The plan guides teams to set priorities for areas to improve and the work needed to achieve these goals. The Dufferin Area Family Health Team goals for the coming year are focused on access, integration and patient centred care.

Privacy Policy

The Dufferin Area Family Heath Team values your privacy as both a visitor to our website and as an existing, new or prospective patient.

Website Privacy

Our website sets three cookies, along with a small number of third-party cookies. These are intended to improve the site's performance, user experience and to collect informtion on visitors through Google Analytics. (For more information: Google Analytics Cookie Usage on Websites.) If you choose not to accept cookies our website will still function properly and your visit will not be impacted.

We do not retain nor do we share any unique information about visitors to our website with any third-party.

General Privacy Policy

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) is committed to patient[1] privacy and to protecting the confidentiality of the health information we hold.

The DAFHT is the health information custodians (HICs under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). The DAFHT is accountable and liable for compliance with PHIPA and the protection of health records. For the purposes of privacy obligations, the two Family Health Organizations (FHO's) and associated staff are agents of the DAFHT. This relationship has been established through a “PHIPA Agency Agreement” signed by each FHO and the DAFHT.

In our Privacy Policy, we use the language of “Team Members” to capture the commitment that all physicians, and all Dufferin Area Family Health Team and FHO staff, volunteers, students and vendors abide by the Privacy Policy and to reflect our shared commitment to protecting personal health information.

The Privacy Policy acts as the articulation of the privacy practices and standards to guide all Team Members and any other agents. There are additional privacy policies that are included by reference to this Privacy Policy and are listed at Appendix A. All Team Members agree to abide by those policies as well.

[1] We have used the term “patient” throughout the policy. It is possible that we hold personal health information about individuals who are not the Family Health Team’s patients or who are former patients, and the privacy policy would apply equally to those individuals.

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the DAFHT of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. The DAFHT is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and work environment.

Career Opportunities

The Dufferin Area Family Health team is committed to the betterment of individual and community health through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary primary health care team. Here at the Dufferin Area Family Health Team, we are committed to ensuring a workplace culture that promotes employee wellbeing and recognizes the contribution of all employees in achieving healthcare excellence.

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the DAFHT of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. The DAFHT is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and work environment.

Our Team

The members of the the Dufferin Area Family Health Team come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Along with physicians, the team includes a wide variety of health care practitioners.

Physicians

Cooking with Jacalyn

Why am I making these videos? I am finding more and more that people are struggling to be healthy if they are not preparing and eating home-cooked meals.

I want you to get excited about preparing tasty meals from scratch using whole foods, which are generally lower in salt, refined flours and sugar.

Join me by watching these videos so you may feel more inclined to feed yourself and your family good, wholesome, real food that is delicious and of course nutritious.

Happy cooking!

Jacalyn

"Cook Your Way Out of Trouble"

(to quote my favourite chef Jamie Oliver)

Wound Care

A wound care nurse will complete an assessment of the wound and the individual.

Recommendations will be made for any other necessary testing to determine the wound cause. Identifying the wound cause, and treating the cause are the goals of best practice wound care.

Factors which negatively affect wound healing will be identified and discussed with the patient.

A treatment plan will be put into place. In collaboration with the patient and the GP, multi-disciplinary referrals may be made to optimize healing (i.e. chiropody, diabetic education, review of nutrition, smoking cessation, vascular consult, referral to CCAC for nursing assistance in wound care).

Education regarding wound healing and best practice wound care will be provided.

There will be regular follow up with the patient and communication with the other health professionals involved in the patients care.

Useful Links

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health.

Our team of trained smoking cessation counselors encourage, educate and assist patients to create a successful plan to quit smoking.

The goal of the program is to provide counseling sessions in a supportive way and have patients learn about the reasons why they smoke and to gain tools and resources for their journey to success.

During the appointment stress management, coping strategies, barriers/triggers and smoking cessation aids will be explored.

STOP Study

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team participates in a smoking cessation program entitled STOP (Smoking Treatment in Ontario Patients), offered through Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

This program is for people who are interested in quitting smoking and would like to use nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patch, gum, inhaler &/or lozenge) for assistance. For those that qualify, this program is free and is offered in combination with counselling.

Follow up sessions are necessary as part of the STOP program.

What you can expect at your appointment with your Smoking Cessation Counselor

Your smoking history will be collected and reviewed

You will receive information about the rewards and benefits of quitting smoking, what to expect when quitting and possible strategies &/or aids that can increase your chances of success

We will help you to develop an individualized quit plan

Follow up sessions are critical to the success of quitting smoking

Useful Links

Respiratory Program

The goal of the Respiratory Program is to provide assistance to patients with respiratory symptoms, when referred by their Family Doctor. This involves giving appropriate education, resources and symptom management tools based upon diagnosis.

The Respiratory Therapist will perform a spirometry (breathing test) on patients with respiratory symptoms or smokers at risk for the investigation of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and Asthma.

Asthma Program

For patients with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, the respiratory team will provide individualized educational sessions about asthma, medication education, trigger identification and symptom control.

You will be given an “asthma action plan” that will help you to identify your level of control and provide self-management instructions to keep you symptom free.
Patients can be seen as needed by the respiratory therapist. Follow-up Spirometry may be performed to monitor control.

COPD Program

For patients with COPD the Respiratory Therapist will provide education to patients with COPD specifically focusing on treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you optimize your health, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease. You will receive follow up care by the Respiratory Therapist who will evaluate control, provide a COPD action plan and perform additional spirometry testing as needed.

Types of Patients Seen

Patients with a history of respiratory symptoms, who have asthma, COPD &/or may be a smoker at risk.

What you can expect at your appointment with your Respiratory Therapist

Your respiratory health and medication history will be collected and reviewed

Your weight, oxygen saturation and blood pressure will be taken

A spirometry (breathing test) will be performed and the results will be sent to your Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for diagnosis.

We will review your medications and discuss symptom monitoring - a respiratory symptom diary may be requested, which can include Peak Flow Meter Recording

We will review and explain how to use your diary to assist with self management and identification of controlled versus uncontrolled symptoms with the goal of working towards an individualized Action Plan

You will receive information about your chronic condition, appropriate use of your medications, learn more about healthy lifestyle, and gain confidence in your ability to manage your respiratory condition

We will help you set some lifestyle goals

You will receive help with removal of secretions from your lungs if you have trouble doing so

Smoking cessation counseling &/or assistance provided as appropriate

Patients may be referred to other interdisciplinary health care professionals within Dufferin Area Family Health Team as needed.

If you need to cancel or reschedule this appointment please phone: Orangeville and Grand Valley 519-938-8802 ext. 314 or in Shelburne 519-925-0017 ext. 236.

Useful Links

Chronic Pain

Power Over Pain: Individualized Assessments for Chronic Pain

The chronic pain program aims to provide education and strategies you can use to better manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Our program begins with an initial assessemnt with our Occupational Therapist and Clinical Pharmacist.

They will review your pain history and ask you to share how your pain affects your mood, sleep, and your daily activities. They will also discuss how your medications and other forms of therapy are helping to manage your pain.

At the end of the appointment you will be given recommendations as part of your follow-up plan, which may include lifestyle changes, therapy, and/or medication adjustments.

Types of Patients Seen

The chronic pain program is designed for patients 18 years and older who have been living with chronic pain for more than than 3 months.

This may include any of the following conditions:

Arthritis, Fibromyalgia

Sciatica, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spinal Stenosis

Diabetic Neuropathy, Neuralgias, Multiple Sclerosis

Migraines

Appointment Information

You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete pain assessment questionnaires.

These appointments are scheduled for 90 minutes.

Please bring your medication and treatment history to this appointment.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals who play a significant role in health promotion and the treatment of injury and disease. They combine their knowledge of the body and its function with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of illness, injury or disability.

Physiotherapists work with individuals of all ages to break down the barriers to physical function including

pre and post surgery

helping people come back from illness

chronic disease

work-related injuries

motor vehicle accidents

age related conditions

Physiotherapists also play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention.

Types of Patients Seen

Physiotherapy has proven to be effective in the treatment and management of arthritis and can be effective treatment for those who suffer from pain in any area including:

back

neck

joints

shoulder

elbows

wrists

hips

knees

ankles

In addition, physiotherapists have specialized training in:

acupuncture

concussion management and the return to learn/play process

balance issues

pelvic health physiotherapy

Appointment Information

During your initial visit your therapist will perform an extensive medical history. A detailed physical exam will be performed and limitations and impairments are determined. You and your physiotherapist will establish specific goals and devise a treatment plan. This treatment plan will include:

education about your specific condition

hands on manual therapy treatment

thermal and pain control modalities, if required

designing a stretching and strengthening program

Pharmacy

Within the Dufferin Area Family Health Team, a clinical pharmacist works directly with physicians to ensure the best use of medications for patients.

The pharmacist is able to see patients for a wide range of medication-related concerns. The pharmacist will help patients resolve any problems or concerns to ensure patients get the maximum benefit from their medications and discuss how medications are best taken or used.

Types of Patients Seen

Most often, patients that are referred to the pharmacist:

are on complex medication regimens

require help to properly managing their medications - both prescription and non-prescription

Appointment Information

What you can expect at your appointment with your Clinical Pharmacist:

Please bring: Your medications to the appointment, including prescription and non-prescription medications (over the counter, vitamins, herbals or natural remedies). Also bring a list of your allergies and any questions you may have for the pharmacist.

During the appointment, the pharmacist will:

ask you about your medications

explain the reason why you are taking your medication

explain side effects of your medication

answer any questions that you may have about your medication

The initial medication review take approximately one hour, after which any recommendations will be communicated to your family physician.

If necessary, the pharmacist will schedule follow-up with you either over the phone or by having another consultation in office.

Referral Process

Patients are referred by their Primary Care Provider.

Osteoporosis Program: “Treasure Your Bones”

Join our team of nurses, dietitians, and pharmacist for a two-part workshop to learn practical strategies to improve bone health:

Diagnosis of osteoporosis

Decreasing risk for falls and fractures

Medication and treatment options

Good nutrition including Calcium & Vitamin D

Introduction to safe exercise with a Bone Fit™ trained therapist

Types of Patients Seen

This workshop has been designed for patients diagnosed with, or at risk of, Osteoporosis or low bone mass.

Appointment Information

This is a group program. Please wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes.

We also offer a follow-up workshop to this program which includes a 3- week, 1 hour, exercise session where you will practice safe exercise with a Bone Fit™ trained therapist.

Mental Health Services

Our team of Mental Health Therapists support patients to take actions to enhance their coping, increase problem-solving skills and improve daily functioning.

Assistance with referral to community or regional resources may be provided.

Therapy groups are offered throughout the year for patients who may benefit from a group experience.

Types of Patients Seen

Individuals who are aged 16 or older, who are dealing with various life issues such as:

Loss

Depression

Anxiety

Work or relationship issues

Appointment Information

If a patient has counseling service through a work benefit plan, we ask that patients access these resources first.

Six to 8 sessions with the therapist are available for enrolled patients. The first appointment will often last about an hour and involve a discussion of the current situation and goals for counseling.

A plan of support will be made and if appropriate, a patient may also be referred to other community programs or services that are suited to meet the patient's needs.

To access these services, a referral can be made through your doctor or nurse practitioner. All appoinments and groups are booked through the Mental Health Intake Counselor at 519-938-8802 ext 330.

Useful Links

Change for a Healthy You

Tired of diets that don't work? Join the 'Change for a Healthy You' program led by our dietitians and mental health counsellor.

Change for a Healthy You focuses on lifestyle change for health through mindful eating, physical activity and feeling good about yourself.

Patients have the option to participate in a six-week group program or a two-day bootcamp; both are offered throughout the year. The program designed to promote healthy lifestyle by making good food choices and being physically active.

Additionally, participants will have the opporunity to attend a grocery store tour with the Registered Dietitian at Zehrs.

Types of Patients Seen

Adults over the age of 18, who have identified the need to make lifestyle changes to their eating and physical activity to improve their health.

Group Information

What you can expect at Change for a Healthy You:

Half of the program, with the Dietitians, includes healthy eating, menu planning, label reading, and tips for eating out. Also included is a discussion on how to get started being active and setting lifestyle goals.

The other half of the time is with the Dietitian and Mental Health Counselor, in a mindfulness program, Craving Change™, which explores why you eat the way you do and strategies to help change your thinking and eating.

Useful Links

Food Journaling Websites

Diabetes

Living Well with Diabetes provides patient education, tools and on-going support for patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Our team works together to help patients manage their disease to maintain healthy living.

Starting with two educational sessions, patients will develop an understanding of how diabetes may affect them and the relationship between nutrition, exercise, medication and stress.

Once the classes are completed, patients meet with the Nurse Diabetes Educator and Dietitian for further support and individualized care to reach their goals and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Types of Patients Seen

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Appointment Information

What you can expect at your appointment with your Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian:

Your health and diet history will be collected and reviewed

Your weight and blood pressure will be taken

We will review your medications and discuss use of your blood glucose monitor

We will explain your recent diabetes blood work results

You will receive information about your chronic condition, use of your medications, learn more about healthy nutrition and gain confidence in your ability to manage your diabetes

Chiropody Services

Within the DAFHT, a registered chiropodist works to prevent and treat a variety of foot disorders that may develop as a long-term complication of Diabetes or other conditions.

The role of the Chiropodist is to maintain and improve patient mobility, to alleviate foot pain, provide health education and thereby improving one’s quality of life.

During the first visit, each patient will be assessed, a treatment plan put in place and follow-up visits will be booked if necessary. Patients will recieve education on prevention of disorders and disfunction of the foot.

Types of Patients Seen

Most often, patients that are referred to the Chiropodist are those that have:

Diabetes with some signs of foot complications
Potentially high risk foot related concerns such as peripheral arterial disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.

Appointment Information

Please bring:

Your footwear that you use every day inside of the house, outside of the house as well as any footwear that you use during exercise.

Any shoe inserts such as over the counter arch supports, cushion inserts or custom made orthotics that you possibly wear during the day.

During the appointment, the chiropodist will ask you questions about your general health and your medications.

The chiropodist will perform a full comprehensive examination of your feet including skin, nails, nerves, blood vessels, joints, muscles and footwear.

Change of Heart: Healthy Lifestyles

The Change of Heart: Healthy Lifestyles program is offered to patients needing to make healthy changes including those with high cholesterol, fatty liver and/or high blood pressure. This 2.5 hour session includes discussion around:

Understanding heart disease and how patients can reduce their risks

Healthy eating

The beneficial effects of physical activity on health

Participants will leave with concrete goals to begin making positive lifestyle change.

The program is lead by a Dietitian and Nurse Educator.

Types of Patients Seen

Patients with high cholesterol or high blood pressure diagnosed by their health care provider.

Appointment Information

The one-time group session provides the basic information needed to start making lifestyle changes.

The patient will return to see the Nurse Educator or Registered Dietitian for an individualized follow up session tailored to the patient.

Sleep Workshop

Attend this 2.5-hour workshop to find out how to sleep better! Our team will provide you with information on:

Why sleep is important

The proper use of sleep medications and other medications that may affect sleep

Up to date information on snoring and sleep apnea

Ways to relax at bedtime

What can be done to improve sleep

Types of Patients Seen

This group is for any patient suffering with sleep issues including:

Waking up frequently

Feeling groggy

Daytime drowsiness

Snoring

Appointment Information

The 2.5 hour workshop is an interactive group and provides patients with take-home tools to improve their sleep.

Insomnia & Relaxation

Nutrition

Need healthy recipe ideas? Take a look at our Cooking Series.

The dietitian will provide one-on-one counseling to patients regarding:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Anemia

Diverticular disease

Crohns/colitis or celiac disease

Diabetes

Heart health

Liver disease

Pregnancy

Infant and child nutrition

General healthy eating

Nutrition counseling is aimed to help improve self-management of the disease, as well as improving the overall disease condition.

Types of Patients Seen

Adults and children with a health condition which can be improved by food intake and nutrition.

Appointment Information

What you can expect at your appointment with your Registered Dietitian:

Your health and diet history will be collected and reviewed

We will review your medications and vitamin/mineral supplements

We may review and explain any related blood work results

You will receive information about your chronic condition, appropriate use of your supplements, learn more about healthy nutrition, and gain confidence in your ability to manage your disease